MEASURING STUDENT-FACULTY INTERACTION FOR NONTRADITIONAL COLLEGE STUDENTS: A COMPARISON OF DATA COLLECTION TOOLS.

A Doctoral Dissertation by Nancy Calsolaro Smulsky, January 2012. As an online institution of higher education, Excelsior College strives to ensure delivery of high quality online courses leading to student success. A key benchmark for student success is student-faculty interaction (SFI). The decade-old National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) measures several benchmarks including student-faculty interaction but was designed with the traditional college student in mind. The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore the quality benchmark of student-faculty interaction (SFI) of nontraditional baccalaureate level college students seeking degree completion through online programs offered at Excelsior College. The research problem was to determine if Excelsior College's 2011 NSSE score for student-faculty interaction would differ if survey items were written in a context consistent with student-faculty interaction in the online learning environment. The same population of Excelsior College students who were invited to participate in the 2011 electronically delivered NSSE were invited to participate in an electronically delivered resurvey using SFI items from Bangert's (2005, 2006) The Student Evaluation of Online Teaching Effectiveness (SEOTE) tool. Although both tools are based on Chickering and Gamson's (1987) Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education, NSSE measured frequency of occurrence for each survey item, while SEOTE measured satisfaction. This study concluded that students feel interactions with faculty are infrequent, but they are satisfied with the actual interaction that does occur. It is recommended that a new survey be developed using one type of response scale; incorporate language and criteria consistent with the online learning environment; and also allow for open-ended, qualitative responses.

Transcript of "MEASURING STUDENT-FACULTY INTERACTION FOR NONTRADITIONAL COLLEGE STUDENTS: A COMPARISON OF DATA COLLECTION TOOLS. "

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MEASURING STUDENT-FACULTY INTERACTION FOR NONTRADITIONAL COLLEGE STUDENTS: A COMPARISON OF DATA COLLECTION TOOLS A Doctoral Dissertation Research Submitted to the Faculty of Argosy University, Online College of Education In Partial Fulfillment of The Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education by Nancy Calsolaro Smulsky January 2012

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MEASURING STUDENT-FACULTY INTERACTION FOR NONTRADITIONAL COLLEGE STUDENTS: A COMPARISON OF DATA COLLECTION TOOLS Abstract of Doctoral Dissertation Research Submitted to the Faculty of Argosy University, Online College of Education In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education by Nancy Calsolaro Smulsky Argosy University January 2012Nancy Hoover, EdD Dissertation ChairGladys Arome, PhDMarian Andrea Orr, Ph.D., MPMDepartment: College of Education

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v AbstractAs an online institution of higher education, Excelsior College strives to ensure deliveryof high quality online courses leading to student success. A key benchmark for studentsuccess is student-faculty interaction (SFI). The decade-old National Survey of StudentEngagement (NSSE) measures several benchmarks including student-faculty interactionbut was designed with the traditional college student in mind. The purpose of thisquantitative study was to explore the quality benchmark of student-faculty interaction(SFI) of nontraditional baccalaureate level college students seeking degree completionthrough online programs offered at Excelsior College. The research problem was todetermine if Excelsior Colleges 2011 NSSE score for student-faculty interaction woulddiffer if survey items were written in a context consistent with student-faculty interactionin the online learning environment. The same population of Excelsior College studentswho were invited to participate in the 2011 electronically delivered NSSE were invited toparticipate in an electronically delivered resurvey using SFI items from Bangerts (2005,2006) The Student Evaluation of Online Teaching Effectiveness (SEOTE) tool. Althoughboth tools are based on Chickering and Gamsons (1987) Seven Principles of GoodPractice in Undergraduate Education, NSSE measured frequency of occurrence for eachsurvey item, while SEOTE measured satisfaction. This study concluded that students feelinteractions with faculty are infrequent, but they are satisfied with the actual interactionthat does occur. It is recommended that a new survey be developed using one type ofresponse scale; incorporate language and criteria consistent with the online learningenvironment; and also allow for open-ended, qualitative responses.

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vi ACKLOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to express sincere gratitude to committee members, Dr. NancyHoover, Dr. Gladys Arome, and Dr. Marian Andrea Orr for their invaluable support andguidance in the planning and implementation of this research project. The deepestappreciation is further offered to the leaders and faculty at Excelsior College for theirparticipation in the research study. Without their contributions of time and resources, thisstudy would not have been possible.

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vii DEDICATION To my husband Matt whose love and support have helped turn this once lifelongdream into a shared reality; and to my best friend Dr. Barb Gilbert whose encouragementand guidance was priceless.

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1 CHAPTER ONE: THE PROBLEM Introduction Computer-mediated learning (CML) has yet to evolve into its own as a discretediscipline; rather it is viewed as an instructional tool (Elbeck & Mandernach, 2009).Despite the crossroads at which CML stands, its impact on higher education cannot bedenied. Elbeck and Mandernach (2009) pointed out that CML allows for studentcentered teaching and learning, the breaking down of barriers, and empowers thenontraditional college student with control over their interactions with faculty and fellowlearners. These characteristics of CML have caused researchers and educators tochallenge the validity of this teaching methodology and the impact it has on studentengagement including student-faculty interaction. Kirtman (2009) agreed with Hu and Kuh (2002) in purporting student engagementand successful outcomes are influenced by time and energy students put into theirlearning. Over the decades, studies of this theory are comparable with findings inChickering and Gamson’s (1987) Seven Principles for Good Practice in UndergraduateEducation, one principle of which is student-faculty interaction (SFI). With student-faculty interaction being an integral element for successful outcomes, faculty must becomfortable with the dynamics of the online learning environment (OLE) and CML, bothof which drastically alter the dynamics of such relationships, but not their importance. On traditional college campuses, “students learn from faculty members bothinside and outside the classroom” (NSSE, 2009, p. 7). Face-to-face interaction leadsstudents to view their instructors as “role models, mentors, and guides for continuous,lifelong learning” (NSSE, 2010a, p. 37). With this in mind, Chen, Gonyea, and Kuh

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2(2008) defined student-faculty interaction as “meaningful interaction [students have] withfaculty” (p. 4) which is no less important for the success of nontraditional online collegestudents than for students attending traditional college campuses. However, onlineteaching and learning is not acceptable to institutions “where intimate, face-to-facecontact is a cherished standard” (Nugent, 2007, p. 7) nor is technology believed to alignwell with the mission and values of many traditional college campuses (Levy & Beaulieu,2003; McCormick, Pike, Kuh, & Chen, 2008). For over half a century colleges and universities have been using informationtechnologies for both research and administrative activities. It is only in the past tenyears that learning management systems (LMS) have evolved as a means of deliveringcurriculum inside and outside the classroom (Meerts, 2003). This new modality creates adeep divide between those who cherish tradition and technology-minded, forwardthinking faculty and administrators. Another side of this dilemma is the demand ofnontraditional students who seek some “control over where, when, what, and how fastthey learn” (Barone, 2003, p. 2). This locus of control includes students having access toinstructors while inside or outside of the learning environment. There is no doubt that distance and online education is fast becoming the choiceof many nontraditional college students who not only seek higher educationalopportunities but are also responsible for supporting their families through full or part-time employment. In the 2006-07 academic year over 11,000 college-level degree andcertificate granting programs were available to students without them ever having to setfoot in a traditional college classroom (Parsad & Lewis, 2008). With increasing demandfrom nontraditional students for online educational opportunities, online learning

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3environments (OLEs) are quickly becoming the option of choice for adult learners as thependulum swings further from the grounded center of traditional college campuses(Clark, 2008). More colleges and universities are exploring creative, cost effective methods tooffer curriculum online in efforts to draw some of the over three million students seekinghigher educational opportunities to their institutions without sacrificing quality (Kirtman,2009; D’Orsie & Day, 2006). Although offering online courses and degree programsmay prove to be appealing to students and increase enrollments, it does not come withoutrisks and barriers (Kirtman, 2009). Katz (2003) implied that faculty members from thetraditional college campus may feel OLEs impinge on tradition and student learning,while Kirtman (2009) concluded that “higher satisfaction [with OLEs and CML] couldlead to increased learning” (p. 110). With online and distance learning still in its infancy,the debate will certainly continue for some time to come. One way to determine the value of online learning is through research. TheNational Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) measures six benchmarks related tostudent engagement (NSSE, 2010a). A second established student survey tool is theStudents’ Evaluation of Educational Quality (SEEQ) which measures nine benchmarks ofteaching (Penn State, 2010). While the Course/Instructor Evaluation Questionnaire(CIEQ) measures attributes of both teaching and course effectiveness (CIEQ, 2009).Although these surveys have proven validity and reliability (CIEQ, 2009; Kuh, 2001;Penn State, 2010) none of these tools focus on online teaching and learning.

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4 Problem Background With online learning an expectation of nontraditional students and institutions,higher education must meet this demand and ensure positive outcomes. One of the keyfactors for successful outcomes is keeping students engaged (Bangert, 2005; McCormick,Pike, Kuh, & Chen, 2008). One concern of colleges is the increasing numbers of studentswho enroll in programs but never graduate. It is vital for colleges to identifyopportunities for improvement and take necessary actions leading to successful studentoutcomes (Kuh, Kinzie, Cruce, Shoup, & Gonyea, 2007). Driven by the current economic climate and the growing demand from adultlearners for online programs, most institutions are embracing technology. They areintegrating online courses into their curriculum or have adopted a blended modelcombining classroom and online activities (Allen & Seaman, 2010). According to the2010 Sloan Survey of Online Learning sixty-three percent of reporting institutions said that online learning was a critical part of their institution’s long term strategy [fueled by] a twenty-one percent growth rate for online learning compared to the less than two percent growth of the overall higher education student population. (Allen & Seaman, 2010, p. 2)However, few colleges are exclusively devoted to online teaching and learning.Excelsior College (EC) took the lead 4 decades ago (Excelsior College, 2010b, ¶ 2)offering distance learning and an assessment based model. Today, there are moretraditional colleges and universities than there are online institutions. Approximately3.7% of undergrads earn degrees exclusively through online learning managementsystems (Staklis, 2010). With such a small number, studies focusing on studentengagement are designed for the traditional classroom setting. The most popular surveyof student engagement is NSSE which focuses on the face-to-face campus model (Staklis,

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52010). Unfortunately, it “may not be an accurate measure of the type of studentengagement that takes place with alternate forms of learning” (Bose & Daniels, 2008, p.ii). When gathering data related to online programs, it is paramount to design surveyitems using language that is familiar to participants and related to their experiences.Valid and reliable feedback is necessary as institutions of higher education strive toensure both quality and significant learning experiences for their students (Bangert, 2005,2006). After all, the validity of survey findings is dependent upon the questions asked aswell as their design (Fowler, 1995; Giuseppe, 2006). The NSSE has been in use for over 10 years (NSSE, 2010b). Ewell broughttogether a team of national experts who devoted a great deal of time and energydesigning NSSE to ensure survey items met the stringent requirements for rigor andcontent validity (NSSE, 2010c). NSSE is the corner stone for student engagement data asevidenced by the over 600 postsecondary institutions which have voluntarily participatedin the survey over the past decade (NSSE, 2010a). According to Bangert (2005) toolsused to evaluate online learning should be designed with the online environment in mind.It is unclear however, if NSSE findings are valid when addressing interaction betweenstudents and faculty who experience teaching and learning via OLEs and various learningmanagement systems. As a NSSE participant, Excelsior College senior management and facultymembers are most concerned about benchmarks where they scored lower than theaverage scores of other participating institutions that included “online educators groupincluding American Public University System, Capella University, Charter Oak State

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6College, Kaplan University, SUNY Empire State College, and Governors University”(Bose & Daniels, 2008, p. i). As reported in the 2008 NSSE, Excelsior College’s scoresfor SFI were much lower when compared to scores of these other institutions (Bose &Daniels, 2008). The problem addressed by this study is to determine if the level ofstudent-faculty interaction for nontraditional online learners seeking degree completion atExcelsior College would differ from NSSE findings if survey items related to thisbenchmark were written in a context consistent with SFI in the online learningenvironment. Purpose of the Study Better than 100,000 nontraditional college students have completed their degreesthrough Excelsior College’s various degree programs, removing barriers such as time,travel, and students’ needs to maintain full-time employment (Excelsior College, 2010b).Universities across the country such as University of Massachusetts at Amherst(www.umass.edu/uww/), and Skidmore College University (www.skidmore.edu/uww/)offered what was called “Universities Without Walls” programs. When taking a closerlook, the curricula were more of a blended model in which online activities areincorporated into the traditional classroom setting. The intent of NSSE is to help colleges and universities identify opportunities forimprovement, to assist future college students in learning about how students’ time isspent, and the gains realized from attending one institution versus another (NSSE,2010b). However, Schneider (2009) raised questions regarding the use of NSSE as acomparative tool between colleges as well as its reliability and validity because “almostall of the variance in NSSE scores occur within institutions and very little variance occur

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7between them” (NSSE as A Tool section). In addition, surveys used to measure studentengagement and the quality of the learning experience should be based on the model usedto deliver course content. The constructivist model has been found to be best suited for facilitating onlinelearning (Bangert, 2005, 2006; Clark & Rossiter, 2008; Ruey, 2010; Taylor, 2007). Thesuccess of this teaching-learning model is dependent on student-faculty interaction(Ruey, 2010). As already noted, if survey findings are to be valuable to an institution andfuture students, the items on the survey should be relevant to the specific learningenvironment, and the underlying andragogical construct. When exploring online learningprograms offered by colleges and universities, future students should understand thatsurvey results for the different settings of traditional face-to-face and onlineenvironments are not comparable when weighing benchmarks between them. Kuh (2001) pointed out that “the NSSE project revolves around college students .. . and is intended to foster talk about collegiate quality” (p. 12). Such conversationsidentified opportunities for quality improvements which, if addressed, moves institutionsof higher education closer to their goal of positive student outcomes. However, it is notclear if these findings are accurate and applicable to the online learning environment.According to Bangert (2005) student evaluations, such as NSSE, SEEQ, and CIEQ arenot developed for the online learner as these evaluations do not take into accountconstructivist-based, student-focused online teaching-learning methodologies. As aresult, Bangert (2005) developed The Student Evaluation of Online TeachingEffectiveness (SEOTE) based upon Chickering and Gamson’s (1987) Seven Principles for

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8Good Practice in Undergraduate Education. SEOTE also takes into considerationconstructivist teaching methods and learner-centered principles. Like NSSE and other student survey tools, Bangert’s (2005) SEOTE tool is rootedin the Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education. However, themost important difference of SEOTE is that it measures students’ satisfaction with thequality of teaching and learning in the online learning environment (Bangert, 2006).Therefore, data collected utilizing the SEOTE student-faculty interaction survey itemsmay prove to be more valuable to EC’s quality improvement initiatives than their NSSEdata. One of the most important strategic goals of Excelsior College is to “achieveexceptional student success whereby those entering Excelsior College programs graduateat rates that exceed similar, adult-serving national institutions” (Excelsior College, 2009,p.1). The college collects student engagement rates and related data for the overallcollege population. The data is also reported for each school and individual courses. Thecollege distributes findings internally, and makes them public by placing them on thewebsite as part of Transparency by Design initiative. Through this initiative,participating colleges and universities voluntarily provide the adult student with data andinformation to assist them in making an informed choice regarding distance and onlinelearning opportunities (WCET Advance, 2010). When sharing such vital data with thepublic it is paramount for the data to be accurate and provide a clear picture of thecollege. Excelsior College must ensure the accuracy of the reported data, and that theinformation made public is applicable to the online teaching-learning environment andnontraditional college students.

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10Table 1Student-Faculty Interaction Survey ItemsNSSEa SEOTEbDiscussed grades or assignments with My questions about courseinstructor. assignments were responded to promptly.Talked about career plans with a faculty The amount of contact with themember or advisor. instructor was satisfactory (e.g., email, discussions, office hours)Discussed ideas from your readings or I was provided with supportiveclasses with faculty members outside of feedback related to courseclass. assignments.Received prompt written or oral feedback Instructors were assessable to mefrom faculty on your academic outside of online courses.performance.Worked with faculty members on Instructors communicatedactivities other than coursework effectively.(committees, orientation, student lifeactivities, etc).Worked on a research project with a I felt comfortable interacting withfaculty member outside the course or instructors and other students.program requirements. Instructors were enthusiastic about online learning. My questions about BlackBoard were responded to promptly. Courses used examples that clearly communicated expectations for completing course assignments.a Note. Adapted from “NSSE Survey Instrument,” by National Survey of Student Engagement, 2008.Copyright 2011 by The Trustees of Indiana University.b Note. Adapted from “The Development of an Instrument for Assessing Online Teaching Effectiveness,”by Bangert, A. W., 2006, Journal of Computing in Higher Education, 35(2), pp. 234,235. Copyright 2006by Journal of Computing in Higher Education.

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11 Phipps and Merisotis (1999) noted, “Technology cannot replace the human factorin higher education” (p. 31). However, the technology behind learning managementsystems continues improve; enabling face-to-face, real time instruction adding adimension to the asynchronous platform of online learning once thought to beunachievable. Despite these improvements, the controversy rages on as evidenced by theslow but steady embrace of technology in postsecondary education and itsdisproportionate acceptance from institution to institution (Pascarella &Terenzini, 2005).It is evident that many challenges still exist. There is no doubt that continued research inthe area of student-faculty interaction is necessary to support online learning as avaluable and vital component of the educational experience for today’s nontraditionalcollege students and beyond. Research Question The research question to be answered is as follows: Does Excelsior College’sbenchmark score for student-faculty interaction differ from their National Survey ofStudent Engagement score if survey items are presented in a context consistent with theonline learning environment of nontraditional college students? Limitations and DelimitationsLimitations This study was limited to a single online college and focused on senior levelstudents enrolled in baccalaureate degree granting programs. A second limitation waspossible researcher bias as the researcher is an adjunct online educator for one ofExcelsior College’s baccalaureate degree programs.

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12Delimitations In addition to the narrow focus of one online college, delimitations of this studyincluded participants hailing from one level of degree program, and limiting thepopulation to senior year students. These same limitations also affected the potentialsample size for the survey. The same student population from the college whoparticipated in 2011 NSSE was the population from which the study sample was derived.This may have influenced reliability and generalizability of the study. DefinitionsAndragogy The definition of andragogy, first introduced in the 1970’s by Malcolm Knowles,has been debated and researched by those seeking to understand the differences betweenhow adults and children learn (Knowles, Holton III, & Swanson, 1998). Knowles et al.(1998) contend that andragogy, in its simplest sense, “speaks to the characteristics [of theadult] learning transaction [and] is a set of core adult principles that apply to all adultlearning situations” (p. 2) grounded in six principles: 1. The learner’s need to know. 2. Self-concept of the learner. 3. Prior experience of the learner. 4. Readiness to learn. 5. Orientation to learning. 6. Motivation to learn. (Knowles et al.,1998, p. 3)

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13Asynchronous Communication Asynchronous communication is communication that occurs at different times;from different places; and where no direct person-to-person interaction takes place(Phipps & Merisotis, 1999, p. 11). Communication may be text-based, in the form ofaudio or video recordings, or in any combination of these mediums.Computer-Mediated Learning (CML) CML occurs when the learner uses a computer as the primary tool for learning,taking advantage of materials and information developed for use with current technology(Elbeck & Mandernach, 2009).Constructivist Theory Knowledge is constructed through an individual’s reflection on their thoughts,experiences, and the contributions of others. Students take an active role in their learningthrough discussion, negotiation of ideas, debate, and collaborative problem solving(Ruey, 2010).Distance Learning/Online Learning These terms share the same meaning and may be substituted for one another. A physical separation of teachers and learners, including the application of information technology (and infrastructure) to educational and student- related activities linking teachers and students in differing places and where communications are mediated by some type of electronic means in real or delayed time. (United States Distance Learning Association, 2010, Glossary of Terms section, p. 44)Nontraditional College Student The average ages of these adult students is 25 years or older. Typically, thesestudents are full or part time learners; and may be responsible for dependents such as a

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14spouse or children (National Center for Education Statistics, 2002; Excelsior College,2010b; Chen, Gonyea, & Kuh, 2008).Pedagogy Pedagogy is “the art of teaching” (Phipps & Merisotis, 1999, p. 31).Senior Students Excelsior College has continual enrollment, offering courses and exams on amonthly basis. As a result, the college defines senior students as enrolled students whohave earned > 90 credits (L. Daniels, personal communication, December 16, 2010).Student Engagement Student engagement is the “personal effort students put into their educational[activities that lead to successful] outcomes” (Hu & Kuh, 2002, p. 555). These effortsinclude time spent studying, student-faculty interaction, student-to-student interaction,and use of available resources (Hu & Kuh, 2002).Student-Faculty Interaction “Meaningful interaction [students have] with faculty” (Chen et al., 2008, p. 4)which may occur inside or outside the learning/classroom environment are thecomponents of student-faculty interaction.Synchronous Communication As a construct of online learning, synchronous communication “occurs whenteacher and student are present at the same time during instruction-even if they are in twodifferent places” (Phipps & Merisotis, 1999, p. 11).

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15 Importance of the Study Since the introduction of andragogy and subsequent technological advances, theimportance and integral role that student-faculty interaction plays in adult education andthe evolving forum of OLEs cannot be stressed enough (Chickering & Gamson, 1987;Knowles et al, 1998; Kuh, 2001; Williams, 2004). With online learning environmentsquickly becoming the option of choice, needs of the nontraditional learner must beaddressed including student-faculty interaction (Clark, 2008). This key benchmark ofstudent engagement, an integral element for successful online learning, must beaccurately measured if findings are to be used as a basis for quality improvement effortsand to validate the importance of student collaboration with faculty towards successfulachievement of student outcomes (Pascarella & Terenzini, 2005). Various research findings indicated a strong positive correlation of the virtualenvironment for student-faculty interaction in addition to using it as a teaching-learningmodality (Laird & Kuh, 2004, p. 3). The advent of email and OLEs remove barriersrelated to time and distance and provide a mechanism that strengthens student-facultyinteraction (Laird & Kuh, 2004; Flowers, Pascarella, & Pierson, 2000). It is evident that student-faculty interaction plays an integral role in achievementof successful outcomes for the online learner. As nontraditional college students engagein meaningful learning, they will continue to seek out answers to questions whichinfluence their lives. These lifelong learners emerge from the virtual learningenvironment into the virtual working environment constructing and transforming oldknowledge into new knowledge, which would be negatively impacted without a highdegree of student-faculty interaction. The results of this study may inform those who are

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16skeptical about the quality of online learning that the virtual learning environmentprovides for a key component of student engagement; rich and meaningful student-faculty interaction.

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17 CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE Introduction The demographics of college students continue to change. First time andreturning students are older, have high expectations, and seek almost immediate return ontheir investment of money and time. Technology makes it possible for those otherwiseunable to attend college to pursue their dreams, satisfy their yearning for lifelonglearning, and make way for career advancement. To meet the demand of thesenontraditional college students, colleges and universities are jumping on the technologytrain offering teaching and learning through computer-mediated learning applications(Larreamendy-Joerns, & Leinhardt, 2006). However, education does not happen in avacuum. It requires a reciprocal relationship between students and faculty. Literature related to online and distance education dates back to Gagne’s work inthe 1960s; while learning theory dates back even further to Brunner’s work in the early1900’s. It is only in the past 20 years that the quality and effectiveness of online teachingand learning have migrated closer to the top of the list for many academics andresearchers. One of the critical quality items in the literature is in regards to the valueand necessity of student-faculty interaction for the success of the nontraditional collegestudents of today (Chen, Gonyea, & Kuh, 2008). Online Teaching-Learning TheoryBehaviorism Online teaching and learning is rooted in several theories including behaviorism,cognitive theory, and constructivist theory (Culatta, 2011). According to Herod (2002)learning takes place on a continuum from “rote learning to reflective learning” (Section

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181.2). Rote learning can occur through operant conditioning, stimulus response induction,and generalized reinforcement. This theory dates back to Pavlov’s (1924) classicalconditioning experiment with salivating dogs and B. F. Skinner’s (1979) work withoperant conditioning. This approach has its place in education and can be used in thesimplest form of computer-mediated lessons such as tutorials and drill and practice. It isnot the best choice from which to base learning for nontraditional adult learners who usea reflective, transformational process to understand the meaning of their experiences(Taylor, 2007).Transformative Learning In 1975, Mezirow introduced transformative learning theory, whose tenetsintertwine in constructivist theory. Transformative learning involves critical thinking,allowing learners to question theory and beliefs that define and effect thinking and doing(Mesirow, 2006). Transformative learning addresses learning types and processes, whileallowing learners to transform meaning (Kitchenham, 2008, p. 110). Transformativelearning theory focuses on how we learn to negotiate and act on our own purposes, values, feelings, and meanings rather than those we have uncritically assimilated from others - to gain greater control over our lives as socially responsible, clear-thinking decision makers. (Mezirow, 2000, p. 8) According to Taylor (2007) transformative learning is the most popular adultlearning theory in higher education which is built upon communication. This wassupported by Mezirow (2000) who stated, “Learning involves language to articulateexperiences to ourselves and others” (p. 5). However, Mezirow explained that not alllearning involves words; it can be an emotional experience, including beliefs, culture,experiences, and an individual’s unconscious knowledge. Transformative learning also

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19provides for individual critical reflection allowing learners to transform their personalviews, conclusions, and emotional reactions based on newly acquired knowledge(Kitchenham, 2008; Mezirow, 1991; Taylor, 2007). In the online learning environment critical reflection is accomplished by allowinglearners time to think seriously and carefully by including questions about content thatstimulate reflection on the material, allow learners to process the information presented,and provide for internalization of concepts (Ally, 2008). Transformative learning occursvia discussion and sharing information among students and educators in a safe andtrusting environment (Taylor, 2007). This environment is achievable through student-faculty and student-student interaction which engages, stimulates, and allows forreflection (Cragg, Plotnikoff, Hugo, & Casey, 2001; Mezirow, 2000; Taylor, 2007).Despite this, there are critics who continue to doubt the value of online learning. Boyer’s(2006) collaborative learning research model supported the premise that online learningis learner-centered, and provides for active participation of the adult learner. Boyer (2006) and Anderson (2008) also pointed out another key aspect oftransformational learning, the uniqueness of each learner. By responding to individuallearning styles, the online facilitator promotes dialogue between and among students andfacilitator laying the foundation for effective group learning while instilling feelings ofcommunity. In this safe community of the online classroom, learners look withinthemselves to understand why they assume the way they do, and how preconceived ideasinfluence their judgment. Through reflection on prior experiences, the learner is led tochange or construct new meanings that come about through engaging in interactive grouplearning (Mezirow, 1991).

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20Constructivist Theory The origins of constructivist theory date back centuries and contended that adultlearners take an active role, are the center of their learning, and use new knowledge tobuild upon prior knowledge to construct new meaning (Anderson, 2008; Dalgarno, 1996;Duffy & Cunningham, 2008; Kane, 2010; Mezirow, 1991). Prince and Felder (2006)spoke to this philosophy: A well-established precept of educational psychology is that people are most strongly motivated to learn things they clearly perceive a need to know … [and] are unlikely to learn if the information has few apparent connections to what they already know and believe. (¶ 2, 3)Constructivism places the learner at the center. However, the learner must have aninterest in the topic, and engage in the learning process. If not engaged, students will notbe successful (Hu & Kuh, 2002). Kane (2010) supported constructivist theory by reminding educators that adultlearners are “the leaders of their own learning efforts” (p. 376), while Rosen andSalomon’s (2007) research concluded that constructivist learning environments are moresuccessful at meeting outcomes than traditional teaching-learning settings. Together withunderstanding the learning methods that lead to successful learner outcomes, onlineeducators must embrace a self-directed, student-centered, constructivist approach toinstructional design. In the virtual learning environment the facilitator’s role is to use learningactivities that focus on the learner’s needs, wants, and learning style (Duffy &Cunningham, 2008; Bruner, 1966). Duffy and Cunningham (2008) went on to explainthat Bruner stressed the role of the educator as “guiding [the learner’s] discovery process[by using] questions and issues that held personal and social relevancy for the learner” (p.

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218). Kane (2010) also emphasized this approach by taking it a step further in challengingtoday’s educators to embrace collaborative learning through construction of activestudent-student and student-faculty learning communities. He also acknowledged theimportance of lifelong learning, and the teacher’s responsibility to promote learning asthe foundation from which people move through the chapters of their lives to include howthey construct new meaning by building on old knowledge with new knowledge (Kane,2010). The constructivist approach is the basis for the online learning environment wherelearners take an active role in gaining new knowledge through technology rich learningplatforms (Duffy & Cunningham, 2008; Rosen &Salomon, 2007). By maximizing thetechnology of the online environment, educators assist learners to meet learningobjectives by encouraging them to construct knowledge through active team andindividual problem solving opportunities, critical thinking, and reflection (Rosen&Salomon, 2007).The Seven Principles Chickering and Gamson (1987) are well known for their research that led to thedevelopment of the Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education.These seven principles are the culmination of 50 years of research and are intended toprovide teachers with guidelines to use in efforts to improve teaching and learning in postsecondary education (Graham, Cagilitay, Lim, Craner, & Duffy, (2001). Chickering andGamson (1987) made it clear that each of the seven principles can be used alone, butwhen combined they are complementary to each other and enhance the probability ofstudent success. These principles are not limited by culture, subject matter, age of

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22learners, or how well prepared the learner is for undergraduate studies. The principlesfocus on the how of teaching and learning, rather than the subject matter itself(Chickering & Gamson, 1987). The seven principles of good practice are as follows: 1. Encourages contact between students and faculty. 2. Develops reciprocity and cooperation among students. 3. Encourages active learning. 4. Gives prompt feedback. 5. Emphasizes time on task. 6. Communicates high expectations. 7. Respects diverse talents and ways of learning. (Chickering & Gamson, 1987, pp. 2-6)It is interesting to note the number one principle speaks to the student-faculty connection.Placing this principle in the first position infers its importance for the success of the adultlearner. Although these principles originated from research conducted in the traditionalcollege setting, they have proven effective for online teaching and learning. Graham et al. (2001) utilized the seven principles in their research of four coursesdelivered online at a large university. Their research findings supported the effectivenessand rigor of Chickering and Gamson’s (1987) seven principles and the value of student-faculty interaction in the online learning environment. Graham et al. (2001) indicated thevalue of setting clear guidelines regarding teacher accessibility for students, timeliness ofresponses to student inquires, and identifying the types of questions that should go to theteacher versus technical questions that should be steered to technical support staff. Theonline environment provides a forum for learning from instructor and peers. Faculty

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23should encourage active and meaningful participation from all students, provide promptfeedback to discussions, and post course expectations early in the term (Graham et al.,2001). These types of interactions encourage student engagement, increase the quality ofthe learning experience, and increase student satisfaction, while guiding online learnerstoward successful outcomes (Chen, Gonyea, & Kuh, 2008; Clark & Gibb, 2006; Cole,John-Steiner, Scribner, & Souberman, 1978). Through the decades the seven principles have become the hallmark forevaluating undergraduate teaching and learning and related research as evidenced by theworks of Graham, et al. ( 2001); Grant and Thornton (2007); Hu and Kuh (2002); andNSSE (2010). Grant and Thornton’s (2007) findings of the online learning environmentparalleled what the aforementioned researchers have found: “faculty-student interactionswithin the online environment can be predictors of student learning and satisfaction” (p.2). Bates (2000) along with Grant and Thornton (2007) purport that online teaching andlearning not only opens doors to creative thinking about the virtual classroom, but alsodemands it. In discussing the relationship of the constructivist theory to adult learning, Grantand Thornton’s (2007) research led them back to the seven principles and theirapplicability to online adult learning. They discovered the coupling of constructivisttheory with the seven principles to be the backbone of successful adult online learningstrategies. Grant and Thornton’s (2007) strategies concluded that interaction andinterconnectivity of the student-faculty relationship is one of three best practices for theonline learning forum. Taking a constructivist approach coupled with tenets oftransformative learning theory, educators guide adult learners along the path of their

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24educational goals (Larreamendy-Joerns & Leinhardt, 2006). Meeting these needs notonly influences learning processes, but also the learning environment and instructionaldesign (Larreamendy-Joerns, & Leinhardt, 2006). Influencing Factors The demographics of the learners, individual student learning styles, facultycomfort level with the learning management system, and continual technologicaladvances have an impact on online learning and teaching. Misconceptions of onlinelearning can also influence the overall quality of learning as well as learner outcomes(Kirtman, 2009). In addition, both learners and educators must have the necessarycharacteristics to be successful in the virtual world of online learning.Characteristics of Nontraditional Online College Students The average ages of these adult students is 25 years or older. They may be full orpart time learners. Typically, these students are usually employed full or part time; andmay be responsible for dependents such as a spouse or children (National Center forEducation Statistics, 2002; Excelsior College, 2010b; Chen, Gonyea, & Kuh, 2008). Foronline learners to be successful, educators must be responsive to the needs andcharacteristics of the nontraditional adult learner who is  Problem centered.  Results orientated.  Self-directed.  Skeptical about new information; preferring to try it before accepting it.  Seek education that relates or applies directly to their perceived needs, is timely, and relevant to their current lives. (RIT, 2011, p. 1)

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25 In addition, adult students bring their knowledge, life experience, and personalvalues into their classrooms (Cranton & King, 2003; Kirtman, 2009; Mezirow, 2006;RIT, 2011). Given this, adult learners use ideas and truths from fellow learners andeducators to appraise their own views through critical thinking towards constructing newmeaning (Cranton & King, 2006). One key aspect of adult learning is the necessity foradult learners to become aware of how they think and to take responsibility for their ownlearning (Kane, 2010; Knowles, 1980).Characteristics of Online Educators The role of the online educator is paramount to the success of any onlineeducational endeavor as they are key factors in how successful programs and courses willbe. According to Menchaca and Bekele (2008) successful online courses must havefaculty who will  Support student motivation.  Optimize appropriate technologies.  Choose relevant learning approaches.  Design, offer, and monitor online courses. (p. 248)By engaging students, providing prompt feedback, and being available to students,faculty increase both student satisfaction and success (Kirtman, 2009; Menchaca &Bekele, 2008). Online educators hold an interest in teaching and benefit from the endlesspossibilities that online teaching and learning offers them as individuals and as educators(Larreamendy-Joerns & Leinhardt, 2006). Educators who embrace technology possessimagination and out of the box thinking that affords vivid, quality, and creative

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26presentation of course content (Larreamendy-Joerns, & Leinhardt, 2006). Based on theconstructivist model, online educators support problem solving and learner-centeredactivities while they ensure timely feedback and guide learners to be self-directed(Fleischer, 2006; Mezirow, 2006; Larreamendy-Joerns & Leinhardt, 2006; Taylor, 2007).Online educators pride themselves on providing courses that are rigorous, “possess thesignature of academic excellence, and incorporate sound cognitive and instructionalprinciples” (Larreamendy-Joerns, & Leinhardt, 2006, p. 571). Rather than employingdidactic methods of teaching, the online educator facilitates and guides learners as theyengage in solving problems that are relevant to real life situations (Rosen & Salomon,2007). Online educators possess the willingness and ability to meet individual studentsneeds by designing courses that provide the depth and breadth of content and instructionthat adult learners can relate to real life and transform into new knowledge(Larreamendy-Joerns & Leinhardt, 2006). Online educators are dedicated to providingan interactive, meaningful, and rich learning experience that obliterates feelings ofisolation that can negatively affect learners’ potential, success, and satisfaction(Larreamendy-Joerns, & Leinhardt, 2006). To accomplish this, educators incorporatemultimedia into the online experience. Videos, graphics, color, interactive learningactivities, real-time chats, and teacher office hours both engage and appeal to a variety ofstudent learning preferences (Larreamendy-Joerns, & Leinhardt, 2006). Kanuka (2008) pointed out the role individual philosophy plays in an educator’sopinions about online teaching and learning sharing that educators who understand theirbeliefs can identify what they are doing and why. Before online educators can be

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27successful, they must first understand themselves. It is only then that they can ensurethey are genuine and can embrace learners in a supportive environment of mutual respect(Taylor, 2007). Knowing oneself also allows educators to be open to and use the varietyof knowledge and experiences learners bring to the virtual classroom as an additionalresource for learning (Cranton & Carusetta, 2004; Knowles, 1980; Taylor, 2007).Technology Various learning environments rely on unique learning experiences and processeswhich address individual learning goals, and have same ultimate endpoint of meetinglearners’ needs (Menchaca & Bekele, 2008; Rosen &Salomon, 2007). Technologyprovides a forum for interaction between and among students and faculty in a variety ofways (Larreamendy-Joerns, & Leinhardt, 2006). The presentation capabilities of onlinelearning management systems such as text, audio, video, and simulations provide for aricher learning experience than could ever be achieved through text alone or stagnantpresentations (Larreamendy-Joerns, & Leinhardt, 2006). According to Kanuka (2008),the advantages of online learning include the following:  Ability to provide just-in-time learning.  Increased access.  Removal of time, place, and situational barriers.  Cost effectiveness.  Greater [student and teacher] accountability.  Increased interaction.  Provision of future employment skills for students.  Effective support for lifelong learning. (p. 92)

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28 Online learning management platforms allow for ease of communication which,as noted by Knowles (1980) is essential for the success of any teaching-learningexperience. Availability of interactive synchronous and asynchronous communicationamong students and between student and faculty in the online environment is paramountfor both student and teacher satisfaction (Menchaca & Bekele, 2008). As Menchaca andBekele (2008) pointed out, the infrastructure and technological tools are significantfactors for success. In the past 30 years there have been various technology-intensive learningplatforms introduced for online learning. At first, studies focused on the effectiveness oftechnology for teaching and learning as well as student outcomes. Studies exploredstudent feelings about online learning and how satisfied students were with the programs.Clark suggested the underpinning thoughts were that “technologies were merely vehiclesof delivering instruction, and did not influence student achievement” (as cited inAnderson, 2008, p. 15). Menchaca and Bekele (2008) agreed with Knowles (1980) andRosen and Salomon (2007) that comparisons made to face-to-face environmentsoverlooked that different learning environments are most likely suited to meet differentlearning goals and outcomes. More recent studies took into account the critical elementsof student and teacher experiences with online learning platforms, instructional design,and the teaching-learning methodologies employed (Menchaca & Bekele, 2008). Many educators continue to stand firm in their conviction that online learningcannot equal the traditional face-to-face learning environment (Kirtman, 2009).However, research findings such as Bangert’s (2005, 2006) Student Evaluation of OnlineTeaching Effectiveness and Allen and Seaman’s (2010) Class Differences: Online

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29Education in the United States, 2010 indicate the positive impact of technology fortoday’s nontraditional college students. Interestingly, research findings also indicate thatlike traditional learning environments, student-faculty interaction has a huge impact andplays a significant role in the success of all college students (Allen and Seaman, 2010;Bangert, 2005, 2006; Kirtman, 2009; Menchaca & Bekele, 2008; National Survey ofStudent Engagement, 2010b). Student Engagement Student engagement is the personal time and effort students place into theirlearning activities that culminate with successful outcomes (Hu & Kuh, 2002). Theseefforts include time spent studying, student-faculty interaction, student-to-studentinteraction, and use of available resources (Hu & Kuh, 2002). If learners are not engagedthey will not invest the time and effort necessary to be successful. Richardson and Newby (2006) emphasized that each learning environment isunique to itself, stressing the importance of using the right tools for collectingmeaningful, quality data for each. They also pointed out the importance of understandingand evaluating “how learners learn” (p. 23) by focusing on the tenets of constructivismincluding teaching-learning strategies and the importance of prior experiences on thelearning process. Richardson and Newby (2006) concluded that online learners areindependent, take the lead in their learning, and as is true with transformative learning,they expect faculty to guide them as they transform their personal views and conclusions. Measuring engagement of the online nontraditional learner takes research of theeffectiveness of this teaching-learning modality to greater heights. Rather than relying onmeasures most frequently cited for traditional settings such as test scores, student

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30attitudes, and overall satisfaction, student engagement evaluates the quality of thelearning taking place (Robinson & Hullinger, 2008). This quality learning experience isalso an expectation of the adult learner.Applicability of Student Engagement to Online Learning Student engagement is no less important for the success of nontraditional onlinecollege students than for students attending traditional college campuses. In fact, student-faculty interaction is a key factor for student persistence and success (Chickering &Gamson, 1987; Knowles et al, 1998; Kuh, 2001; Robinson & Hullinger, 2008; Williams,2004). What is different is the forum used for such interaction. In the onlineenvironment, student-faculty interaction may occur via email, in course postings anddiscussion forums, through video conferencing, teleconferencing, or webinars. Rabe-Hemp (2009) pointed out that some scholars are determining that student-centered online learning is more advantageous than the teacher-centered approach takenin traditional face-to-face settings. This supports Pond (2002) who also focused on theend user/learner as the cornerstone of the online learning paradigm. However, whatremains are doubts concerning the effectiveness of student-faculty interaction in theonline environment (Rabe-Hemp, 2009). Richardson and Newby (2006) stressed theimportance of knowing how students learn, while Cross (1999) aptly reminded educators,“Until we know what knowledge is, we can’t really say how to attain it” (p. 257). The five aspects for student success studied by Kuh, Cruce, Shoup, Kinzie, andGonyea (2008) included student-faculty interaction and the commitment students make totheir studies, which are not only hallmarks for online student engagement, but also arerooted in the well regarded Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate

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31Education (Chickering & Gamson, 1987). Bangert (2005, 2006) and the National Surveyof Student Engagement (2010b) based their survey tools on these principles. This is animportant correlation given the high regard to which the Seven Principles are held in thearena of higher education (Chen et al., 2008; Cross, 1999; Kuh, 2001). Student-faculty interaction is an integral component in the formation ofcollaborative learning communities. This interaction has also proven to be a necessaryingredient for student engagement and satisfaction (Anderson, 2008; Flowers, Pascarella& Pierson, 2000; Kuh et al., 2008; NSSE, 2010; Bangert, 2005, 2006; Rabe-Hemp,2009). Engaged online learners are autonomous, self-directed, and persistent, allqualities leading to successful outcomes (Rabe-Hemp, 2009). Quality of Online Learning Measuring the quality of education is not new to any educator or schooladministrator. Since the very beginnings of formal education parents, lawmakers,regulators, students, and the general public have demanded evidence that educationalprograms at all levels maintain the highest standards possible. The challenge ofmeasuring quality is assuring uniformity and consistency of the assessment (Pond, 2002).Quality measures not only come in the form of academic achievement scores, but alsofrom the teaching and learning methods used, learning materials employed, and deliverymodality practiced. While providing for flexibility and access for those who would nototherwise benefit from higher education, some purport the new paradigm of onlineeducation “creates significant challenges for quality and accreditation as leaders strugglewith matching the new reality to old thinking” (Pond, 2002, p. 2).

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32 According to Pond (2002) “accreditation is a process by which an institutiondemonstrates to an external body that it does or can meet whatever criteria have beenprescribed or mutually agreed upon as indicative of quality education” (p. 5). Pond(2002) made a most astute observation; in today’s world of electronic teaching andlearning the most important stakeholders are those at the center of the teaching-learningconundrum. The end user, better known as the learner or student, should play an integralrole in the process of quality measurement. Pond (2002) also went out on a limb byintroducing the notion that traditional accrediting bodies may no longer be the best choicewhen it comes to measuring online learning quality, arguing that online learning qualityimproves when measures are based on outcomes rather than processes. Conclusion As adult learners, nontraditional online students expect to add new knowledge totheir current knowledge, and attain skills they did not have before beginning theireducational journey (Kane, 2010; Mezirow, 2006; Pond, 2002; RIT, 2011; Taylor, 2007).When it comes to online learning the various sets of benchmarks in use have commonthemes from pedagogy to instructional design to student-faculty interaction. No matterwhat set of benchmarks one references, the underlying themes trace back to Chickeringand Gamson’s (1987) Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education.From more recent tools such as Shelton’s (2010) Quality Scorecard for theAdministration of Online Education Programs and Bangert’s (2005, 2006) StudentEvaluation of Online Teaching Effectiveness to the decade old National Survey of StudentEngagement (2010b), the seven principles pervade. Pond (2002) supported the notionthat a most important quality indicator/benchmark is interaction. Here again, the

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33benchmark of student-faculty interaction rings through as a necessary measure andinfluencing factor for the success of the nontraditional online learner.

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34 CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY In 2008, Excelsior College participated in the National Survey for StudentEngagement (NSSE). The results for the benchmark of student-faculty (SFI) interactionwere lower than both NSSE aggregate data and the “online educators group includingAmerican Public University System, Capella University, Charter Oak State College,Kaplan University, SUNY Empire State College, and Governors University” (Bose &Daniels, 2008, p. i). This quantitative study’s purpose was exploration of the qualitybenchmark of student-faculty interaction of nontraditional baccalaureate college studentsseeking degree completion through online programs at Excelsior College. In 2011,Excelsior College participated in NSSE. A comparison between Excelsior College’s2011 NSSE data and data obtained through a resurvey of participants using student-faculty interaction items from Bangert’s (2005, 2006) Student Evaluation of OnlineTeaching Effectiveness (SEOTE) tool may bring insight into student-faculty interactionfor the nontraditional online learner.Research Question Given the quantitative design of this study, the most important element was theresearch question as it set the stage for the research methodology and design (Bryant,2004). Since research questions should be simple and direct (Polit & Beck, 2010), theresearch question to be answered was as follows: Will the rate of Excelsior College’sstudent-faculty interaction differ from their 2011 National Survey of Student Engagementscores when participants are resurveyed using student-faculty interaction components ofthe Student Evaluation of Online Teaching Effectiveness tool? Study findings mayinform Excelsior’s Dean of Outcomes Assessment and Institutional Research (OAIR),

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35deans and directors of each school of the college, and the college-wide community. Theself-reported student data may contribute to quality improvement efforts of ExcelsiorCollege as a means of identifying opportunities for improvement. Identifiedopportunities may influence course redesign efforts to ensure student learningexperiences are productive and meaningful (Bangert, 2006).Variables The dependent variable was student-faculty interaction of nontraditional onlinelearners, while the independent variables were the two survey tools, 2011 NSSE andSEOTE. Although both tools are based on Chickering and Gamson’s (1987) SevenPrinciples of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education, the wording, scoring scale, andquantity of items related to SFI differ between the tools (see Table 1). For survey resultsto be a valid indicator of SFI for nontraditional online learners, survey instruments shouldbe specifically designed to capture feedback that directly relates to teaching-learningpractices employed as well as the learning environment (Bangert, 2005).Hypotheses This quantitative study was designed to compare the two independent variables,survey items from 2011 NSSE and Bangert (2006), and correlate any differences on theindependent variable of student-faculty intervention. Statistical tests seek to reject the“null hypothesis, [indicating] there is a relationship between the variables” (Polit & Beck,2010, p. 365) and to prove the hypothesis is true. The hypotheses are as follows: Ho: There is no difference in student-faculty interaction mean survey scores between 2011 NSSE and the resurvey using SEOTE survey items.

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36 H1: There is a significant difference between the mean survey scores for student- faculty interaction for 2011 NSSE and the resurvey using SEOTE survey items.Since NSSE measured frequency of student-faculty interactions and SEOTE measuredsatisfaction with SFI, two views of student perspectives for the same benchmark weremeasured. Therefore, there are no statistical tests available to prove or disprove thehypothesis. Research Design The evaluation of SFI used self-reported data obtained via survey methodology.Survey items from Bangert’s (2005, 2006) SEOTE tool intended to measure satisfactionof student-faculty interaction was provided to participants electronically via QualtricsTM.This online survey tool allowed for anonymous data collection and streamlined theanalysis process. Comparison of the data from this survey to 2011 NSSE frequency datafor SFI may determine if there are any significant differences in survey results for thisbenchmark.Location and Demographics This study took place at Excelsior College, a private, not-for-profit, onlineinstitution of higher education located at 7 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY. Onlineprograms and courses are delivered via the internet utilizing a secure online learningmanagement system. Students attending Excelsior College live across the United Statesas well as in countries outside U.S. borders. Utilizing an electronic survey methodologyaligned with the communication methods to which this demographically diversepopulation is accustomed.

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37 Based on Excelsior College Class of 2010 At-A-Glance report (2010a) there were a total of 2,744 baccalaureate graduates in July 2010. Females outnumbered males 50.6% to 49.4% respectively. Graduates represented all 50 states in the U.S. plus the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Graduates also come from 20 other nations worldwide. Graduates from minority (self reported) groups equated to 30%, 30% of graduates were members of the U.S. military. The oldest graduate was 91 years of age, the youngest 17 years old. The average age of graduates was 38. (pp. 1-2) Population and Sampling Procedures To ensure as valid a comparison of the two survey tools as possible, thepopulation and sampling procedures must mirror each other. To this end, the samepopulation used for the 2011 NSSE survey provided the basis of sampling for the SEOTEstudent-faculty interaction survey. NSSE (2011) population size verification guidelinescall for “all full-time and part-time first-year and senior-year baccalaureate degree-seeking students enrolled in Fall 2010 and considered probable graduates for Spring orSummer 2011. Fall 2010 graduating seniors are not to be included” (pp. 2, 3). Excelsior College’s administration decided to limit possible participants to allExcelsior College’s senior-year students only. This decision was made given thatExcelsior College is a degree completion institution, and as such, Excelsior College doesnot have what are traditionally known as first-year students (L. Daniels, personalcommunication, September, 2010). According to Ms. Daniels, a research director inOAIR, senior-year students at Excelsior College are those “students who havesuccessfully completed 90 or more credits of their bachelor degree requirements”(personal communication 2010). All senior-year students, as defined by the college,received an invitation to participate in the SEOTE student-faculty interaction electronicsurvey. Students deemed eligible for participation in the 2011 NSSE determined the

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38number of survey participants. The Raosoft® (2004) sample size calculator for a 95%confidence level and a 50% response distribution indicated the minimal number ofparticipants to be 345 from the eligible population of 3,306 individuals. Instrumentation Excelsior College has adopted QualtricsTM as their electronic survey tool whichwas used to distribute and gather data for this cross-sectional survey. With permissionfrom Bangert, (see Appendix A) the survey tool included the same ten survey items usedfor his studies of SFI along with one open-ended question. Staying true to Bangert’s(2006) tool, a 6-point Likert scale “ranging from Strongly Agree (6) to Strongly Disagree(1)” (p. 232) represented the ordinal data for each survey item (see Appendix B).Validity The first validation study of Bangert’s tool was conducted in spring 2004 with“responses from 498 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in online courseswhere content validity was established by a panel of online instructors who reviewed theitems for clarity, accuracy, and appropriateness” (Bangert, 2004, p. 232). The panelidentified items for review and revision. After several factor analysis procedures, it wasdetermined a four factor solution using “26 of the original 35 items” (Bangert, 2008, p.41) were best suited for the tool. These four factors were “student-faculty interaction,active learning, time on task, and cooperation among students” (Bangert, 2008, p. 41).Factor I, student-faculty interaction, “yielded high levels of internal consistencyreliability yielding coefficient alpha of .94” (Bangert, 2008, p. 41). Bangert’s studydetermined SEOTE items were consistent with both the constructivist model of highereducation and the online learning environment.

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39 A second study using SEOTE conducted in fall 2004 yielded responses from over800 participants. This study validated findings from the first study (Bangert, 2005). The four factors were found to be the best in representing the dimensions of the original scale. The internal consistency reliabilities for all four SEOTE factors exceeded 0.80, indicating acceptable to high level of internal consistency reliability. In both validation studies Factor 1, student-faculty intervention, had an internal reliability of coefficient alpha of .94. (Bangert, 2008, p. 41) Methodological Assumptions and Limitations There were two assumptions for this study. First, it was assumed that an adequatesample size for the study would result from inviting all eligible senior year students toparticipate in the survey. The second assumption was that data collected from usingSEOTE survey items for SFI might reflect a more accurate measure of student-facultyinteraction than that found through Excelsior College’s participation in 2011 NSSE. The study findings may not be applicable to the entire nontraditional onlinedegree seeking student population. It was limited to one online degree granting college,and included only senior level students. These limitations may constrict the study toomuch. Procedures With Institutional Review Board (IRB) permission from Excelsior College andArgosy University Online to conduct the research, all eligible participants for the surveywere sent an electronic letter of consent requesting their participation in the survey. Theletter (see Appendix C) outlined the purpose of the study, approximate time needed tocomplete the survey, confidentiality information, and plans for archiving the data for upto two years in a secured file. A link to the survey, embedded in the electronic letter,provided instant access to the survey at the time participants agreed to the conditions

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40outlined in the letter. Participants were also provided with the opportunity to requestcopies of the IRB approval document at any point of the survey process. Data Processing and Analysis Archived data including population and sample participant demographicinformation was accessible through the Excelsior College’s databases, the college’sdigital repository system, the student information system (SIS), and Oracle Discovererreports. These databases also housed Excelsior’s 2011 NSSE data. Data analysis wascompleted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17.0 (SPSS)software program. SPSS is a powerful tool for the researcher providing a variety of statistical reports,graphs, and tables. Nominal and ordinal data retrieved from the SEOTE student-facultyonline survey and uploaded from QualtricsTM directly into Excel files could be importedinto SPSS for querying. SIS contained demographic information for all ExcelsiorCollege students. Using SIS allowed for identification of participants that met the criteriaas set forth by 2011 NSSE. This process ensured that SPSS reports were exclusive toExcelsior College’s 2011 NSSE and SEOTE participants. The relative frequency ofresponses to 2011 NSSE survey questions related to student-faculty intervention (seeAppendices D & E) and SEOTE questions could be reported aggregately or broken outby school and degree program. Central tendency measures were used to summarizefindings. Probability statistics determined the effect of independent variables on dependentvariables through the distribution of the mean, median, and mode. With the two surveytools using differing parameters, NSSE frequency, and SEOTE satisfaction, no other

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41statistical measurements were applicable to the data. Reported as supportive findings,open-ended responses may be useful for Excelsior College’s quality improvement efforts. Conclusion For research data to be meaningful, the researcher must ensure the data collectedis valid and answers the research question. Data comparison between 2011 NSSE and theresurvey using SEOTE may inform Excelsior College’s leadership and the collegecommunity at large of potential opportunities in course design. The data comparison mayalso serve to guide instructional faculty in continuing education efforts leading toproductive and meaningful student learning experiences (Bangert, 2006). Although this quantitative study was limited to senior year Excelsior Collegestudents, study outcomes may not be applicable to the entire nontraditional online degreeseeking student population. However, any opportunity to improve student success atExcelsior College is a plus. In keeping with its mission and philosophy, ExcelsiorCollege should consider any opportunity to improve the quality of education and thelearning experience provided (Excelsior College, 2010c). It is support of these goals thatled to the comparison of student responses to 2011 NSSE student-faculty interaction tothe resurvey using student-faculty interaction survey items from SEOTE.

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42 CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS Restatement of the Purpose The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore the quality benchmark ofstudent-faculty interaction (SFI) of nontraditional baccalaureate level college studentsseeking degree completion through online programs offered at Excelsior College. In2008, Excelsior College participated in the National Survey for Student Engagement(NSSE). The results for the SFI benchmark were lower than NSSE aggregate data aswell as data collected from the “online educators group" (Bose & Daniels, 2008, p. i)who also participated in the 2008 study. In 2011, Excelsior College again participated in NSSE. However, as pointed outby Bose and Daniels (2008) NSSE “may not be an accurate measure of the type ofstudent engagement that takes place with alternate forms of learning” (p. ii) such asstudent-faculty interaction in the online learning environment. Therefore, all ExcelsiorCollege students eligible for 2011 NSSE were resurveyed using student-facultyinteraction items from Bangert’s (2005, 2006) Student Evaluation of Online TeachingEffectiveness (SEOTE) tool, written specifically for the online learning environment. Asnoted in Chapter Three, NSSE and SEOTE tools had been validated for rigor andreliability. Research Question The research question to be answered was as follows: Does Excelsior College’sbenchmark score for student-faculty interaction differ from their National Survey ofStudent Engagement score if survey items are presented in a context consistent with theonline learning environment of nontraditional college students?

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43 Descriptive StatisticsResponse Rates Web-based surveys were sent to 3,306 qualifying Excelsior College seniorstudents resulting in a response rate of 22% (n = 726) for NSSE and 6.6% (n = 217) forSEOTE. The decrease in survey respondents was expected given the NSSE (2011)criteria for senior students as "probable graduates for Spring or Summer 2011" (p. 3) anddiffering distribution times. NSSE was distributed in February, while this resurvey wasconducted in August. In addition, 2,675 (81%) of eligible study participants wereawarded baccalaureate degrees in the spring (Excelsior College, 2011) predisposing alack of motivation to respond.Respondent Characteristics There was little difference in respondent characteristics (see Table 2) between thetwo survey samples. Respondents ranged from under 24 years to over 60 years in age;with the majority falling into the 40-49 age range: NSSE 45.2% (n = 298); SEOTE 44.2%(n = 95). The next largest age groups were 30-39 year olds and those between the ages of50-59 comprising approximately 43% of respondents for both NSSE (n = 284) andSEOTE (n = 94). Less than 1% of respondents for either survey were under 24 years old.There were 70% (n = 465) male respondents for NSSE and 67% (n = 143) for SEOTE;30% (n = 198) of NSSE respondents were female compared to 33% (n = 70) for SEOTE.